The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to modernize India’s immigration laws by streamlining regulations on foreigner registration, visas, and penalties for violations, ensuring better security and control.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, set to be introduced by the Union Home Ministry in the second half of the ongoing Budget Session on March 10, seeks to regulate the entry, exit, and movement of foreigners in India. Retaining the provision that places the burden of proof on individuals to establish their citizenship, the bill also proposes stricter penalties for foreigners entering India without valid travel documents.
It aims to replace four existing laws: the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; the Foreigners Act, 1946; and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
Need for the New Law
The need for a new immigration law arises from the inefficiencies and redundancies in the existing legal framework, which is currently governed by four legislations: the Foreigners Act, 1946; the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000.
Three of these laws were enacted during the pre-Constitution era under extraordinary circumstances, such as World Wars I and II, and are now outdated.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to streamline and modernize immigration regulations by consolidating these laws into a single, comprehensive framework.
Its objectives include eliminating overlapping provisions, ensuring efficient immigration management through clear legal guidelines on the entry, exit, and movement of foreigners, and strengthening national security by enhancing regulatory control over visa issuance, registration, and enforcement measures.
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Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to streamline and modernize immigration laws in India by replacing multiple outdated legislations. It will regulate the entry, exit, and movement of foreigners while ensuring stricter security measures.
What Does the Bill Cover?
The bill consolidates all key immigration laws into one comprehensive framework, avoiding overlapping rules related to passports, visas, and foreigner registrations. It consists of six chapters with 35 clauses, clearly defining the role of Immigration Officers, visa requirements, and registration procedures for foreigners.
Key Features of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025
- National Security Clause
- Foreigners can be denied entry or stay in India if they pose a threat to national security, sovereignty, or relations with foreign countries.
- Immigration Officers will have the final authority on such matters, and their decision will be legally binding.
- Regulations for Universities & Hospitals
- Educational institutions admitting foreign students must provide their details to the Registration Officer as per Clause 9.
- Hospitals and medical institutions offering treatment or accommodation to foreigners must also report their details under Clause 10.
- Registration & Movement Control
- Foreigners will have to register with authorities upon arrival.
- The government can regulate their entry, exit, and movement within India, including requiring biometric registration or restricting access to specific areas.
- Responsibility of Carriers (Airlines, Ships, etc.)
- Airlines, shipping companies, and transport carriers must take responsibility for any foreigner denied entry into India.
- The carrier must ensure their removal from India without delay.
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Punishments Under the Bill
- Illegal Entry
- A foreigner entering India without a passport or travel document will face up to 5 years in prison, a fine of Rs. 5 lakh, or both.
- Using Forged Documents
- Forgery or fraudulent passports, visas, or travel documents will be punishable with 2 to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine between Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh.
- Overstaying Visa
- Foreigners staying in India beyond their visa limit will face up to 3 years in prison and a fine of Rs. 3 lakh.
Supervised Accommodation for Foreigners
- While the bill does not directly mention “detention centers,” Clause 13 states that foreigners must reside in designated places under supervision.
- The government will set rules for discipline, maintenance, and movement restrictions in these areas.
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s immigration framework. By consolidating outdated laws, enhancing national security, and implementing stricter penalties for violations, the bill aims to create a more efficient and secure system for managing foreign nationals in the country.
With its focus on modernizing immigration procedures and improving oversight, the bill is set to pave the way for more effective regulation in the years to come.
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